Every Step for Dad: Melbourne Teacher Ela Walks in Memory of Her ‘Favourite Person’ at Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne (23 November)
After losing her dad Gary to brain cancer this year, Ela Fornalska is honouring his legacy, and their shared love of walking, at Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne.
When Melbourne teacher Ela Fornalska takes part in Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne on Sunday 23rd November, every step will be for her dad, Gary Holt, her “favourite person” and the man who inspired her lifelong love of walking.
“My beloved father lost his life to the ‘Terminator’ of cancers, glioblastoma,” Ela says. “He was the kindest, most charismatic man, and will always remain my favourite person. I hope that one day no family has to endure this devastating loss.”
Gary, a compassionate emergency nurse who dedicated more than 35 years to helping others, passed away in July this year. Ela says walking has become both a way to honour his legacy and to process her own grief.
“He was such a humanitarian, and I learned so much from him, about compassion, courage, and service. When I found Walk4BrainCancer, it just felt right to walk for Dad, to honour his legacy, and to help others going through the same heartbreak,” Ela says.
Ela has many fond memories of walking with her dad, from bush trails in Warrandyte to their favourite spot, the Fitzroy Gardens. Even after his diagnosis, walking remained his goal, from radiation treatments until his final days, he was determined to get back on his feet.
Ela, as her father’s primary caregiver, made it her mission to take him on as many beautiful, nature-filled walks as possible, even though they required a wheelchair or walker.
Since registering for the walk, Ela’s story has inspired her friends, family, and wider community, helping her raise more than $3,000 for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. She says seeing the donations build has been “heart-warming” and a reminder of the impact her dad had on so many. You can support Ela here.
On the day of the walk, Ela will proudly wear her Walk4BrainCancer T-shirt and cap, along with her dad’s ‘Om’ ring, a treasured keepsake he gave her before he passed, and amethyst jewellery, a stone they both cherished for its healing energy.
“Dad was cremated wearing his amethyst bracelet, and I’ll wear mine for him,” Ela says. “It’s my way of keeping his energy close.”
Ela encourages others to join the movement, describing Walk4BrainCancer as both a healing experience and a meaningful way to honour loved ones.
“Do it,” she says simply. “It’s a powerful way to reach out to your community, honour your loved one, and feel that love returned.”
Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne will see hundreds of people come together at Albert Park Lake on Sunday, 23 November, to remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, and raise funds for life-saving brain cancer research.
Andrew Giles, CEO of Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, says stories like Ela’s are at the heart of the movement:
“Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne brings together the community to raise essential funds for groundbreaking research. Ela’s dedication highlights the impact individuals can have when they turn their personal challenges into action.”
To join Ela, donate, or register for Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne, visit www.walk4braincancer.com.au.
Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne
Sunday, 23 November 2025 – from 8:30am
Albert Park Lake, Melbourne VIC 3206
https://walk4braincancer.com.au/walks/melbourne/
About Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is an Australian-based organisation that is working globally to rapidly improve brain cancer survival through funding innovative brain cancer research.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation is the largest dedicated funder of brain cancer research in Australia. The Foundation has invested over $30 million into brain cancer research including clinical trials and pre-clinical research efforts across paediatric and adult brain cancers.
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation passionately forges global research collaborations, brings world-class clinical trials to Australia and gives people with brain cancer greater access to innovative new treatments.
The Foundation’s mission is to unite the community and rapidly increase brain cancer survival, improving the quality of life for people impacted by the disease. With a vision to ultimately find a cure for brain cancer. Visit www.curebraincancer.org.au for more information.
Sarah Finn
